ROCKPORT — When Rockport throws a party, you can be sure it is not one to miss. There, a community of citizen volunteers and town staff help the good times roll, and on Dec. 13 the harbor and village was especially beautiful with 1,400 luminaries dressing the sidewalks, paths and bridges.

On the water, lobster boats were decked out in Christmas lights, and at Marine Park, decorated poles and trees glittered as a cool — but not too cold — dusk settled in.

The fourth annual Holiday on the Harbor drew residents and visitors from all over the region to hear gospel music, eat, shop, taste wine, make art, chat with Santa, visit with friends and neighbors, sing a few carols and, of course, watch the best fireworks show in the world.

The celebration began at 1 p.m. and went late into the evening, with bonfires at Marine Park keeping everyone warm. Up the hill and late into the night, the two village restaurants were packed with good cheer.

At 3 p.m., the Rev. Chantel Wright and the Songs of Solomon Gospel Choir filled the Rockport Opera House with songs of the season, as well as spiritual music.

This is the second time Wright and the choir have performed in Rockport for Holiday on the Harbor, and Wright said they had just finished five concerts before arriving in Maine, but that she was delighted to be here once again.

Following the concert, a large gathering circled around the Christmas tree at Marine Park as it was lit, and then the fireworks show began overhead.

On the barge in the middle of the harbor, Donald Heald IV and a crew of volunteers manned the deck, sending exploding stars into the night sky.

It was a jubilant show, and earned huge rounds of applause from those who had gathered at on the grass and wharves, Rockport Marine and other spots overlooking the harbor.

There were lots of wishes for peace, happy holidays and merry Christmas, and we know this happy party, with its group of enthusiastic organizers and volunteers, will grow in popularity.

Special thanks to Harbor Master Abbie Leonard and Public Works Director Mike Young, for making the event happen; to Charlton Ames, for exceptional fireworks; to Monica Kelly, Jason Haynes and the Holiday on the Harbor Committee for meeting all year about logistics; to the crew at Big Al’s for making the extra effort to supply even more fireworks Saturday night; to the guys on the barge and Donnie Heald IV; to those who filled and placed the luminaries; and to the town public works crew, who were working cheerfully Monday morning cleaning up all the luminaries. 

Rockport had a party and it was a good one. HoH!